Parish Newsletter

Pressure at Masses on Sundays

Better in recent weeks, with a more even distribution between the four Masses. Please remember that 9.00 and 11.00 are the two most popular. To be sure of a place at any of the Masses, please arrive in plenty of time. Thanks, everyone!

Upcoming Dates - End of Eastertide

• Sunday 6th June - Corpus Christi
• Sunday 13th June - 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pope Francis’s call for the Rosary During May

We came to a triumphant finish on Monday, the last day of May. Thanks to everyone who joined us. Most evenings we had between twenty and twenty-five there, and so many of you managed to join us for at least one of the occasions. Never under-estimate the power of prayer, especially when we pray together for a common intention. More than one of you said to me that the Rosary had been a bit of a mystery to you before this month, but you now feel it is a wonderful part of your prayer life. A mystery no longer!

Primary School and High School

We all hope everyone - teachers, pupils, everyone - has enjoyed a good Half Term in this lovely weather. For the next Half Term, up to the Summer Break, I am planning to go into each school on a weekly basis, spending a morning or afternoon in each. It’s the least I can do to support the excellent work they are doing in these very difficult circumstances.

World Day of Prayer: Friday 25th June

This very popular annual event is coming again soon. It used to be called the Women’s World Day of Prayer and then someone abolished women. Not to worry, come along anyway: Christ Church Newtown (where my kid brother Graham is the Vicar). Just by the Fire Station and Salvation Army in Newtown. Friday 25th June at 10.30 am. Good to see you all there! We’ve hosted this service more than once here at the Werbies, as it goes round the churches of Chester each year. If you’ve never been to Christ Church, it’s one of the most interesting churches in Chester, its old school now the Little Theatre.

Photo of the Week: School Nativity Play

1985, and clearly now in the new school in Lightfoot Street, and all beautifully dressed for the traditional Nativity Play. But I’d be very interested to find out what happened to that magnificent statue of Christ the King on the wall behind them. I wonder where it is now?

Bishop Mark’s Pastoral Letter for Trinity

Please pick up your copy as your leave church.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Message from Lucy Walsh, Secretary Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality:

The next meeting of the Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality will be held next Saturday, 5th June at 10.30 am via Zoom. You can also call in if you do not have access to Zoom. Please send any requests for the password, apologies or items for the agenda to secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk or text/call 07451 249267. Please pass on these details to any hospitality members who may be interested.

Carla Lockhart MP’s Parliamentary Motion

Many of us have been disturbed by the introduction of a "Home Abortion" service by the Government during these lockdown days, for women who cannot access the usual services. This is the opening paragraph from the Government website: "During the COVID-19 pandemic the UK government put in place a temporary approval in England, enabling women and girls to take both pills for early medical abortion (EMA) up to 10 weeks (9 weeks and 6 days) gestation in their own homes, following a telephone or e-consultation with a clinician, without the need to first attend a hospital or clinic. This measure has been put in place during the pandemic to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and ensure continued access to abortion services. It is time limited for 2 years, or until the pandemic is over - whichever is earliest." Carla Lockhart MP has introduced a Parliamentary Motion calling on the Government now to end this practice. Many have opposed it, some on ethical grounds, some for safety reasons. Right to Life UK has launched a simple tool which makes it easy for anyone to contact their MP to ask them to support Carla’s motion:
www.righttolife.org.uk/DIYmotion
Carla Lockhart was a new name to me: I was more than interested to discover she was elected to Parliament at the last (2019) General Election for the Upper Bann constituency in Northern Ireland. A member of the DUP, aged 36, she is also a member of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster.

Chester Fair Trade Shop - Wesley Methodists

After being closed since Christmas Eve 2020 we are delighted to be able to announce that Chester's only dedicated Fair Trade shop will re-open for business on Tuesday 18th May. Located at the Wesley Methodist Church Centre in St John's Street we will initially open from 11.00 am - 2.00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday inclusive, but hope to be able to open for more hours before too long. We would of course love to have your custom, but also very happy for you to call in to say hello and have a look at the wide range of goods we can offer. All of them supporting the principles of fair trade and benefiting producers, farmers and artisans around the world with a fair deal. You could also combine your visit with the chance to stop for a drink and snack in Wesley's Coffee shop which is also reopening the same day.

Poor Clares Fundraising

Last chance to support their appeal for help in refurbishing the Monastery down in Nottingham. Please pass on any contributions to me, and I will forward them with pleasure.